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National Trust reveals progress in conservation of rare cider apple trees
The National Trust has successfully established 12 new cider apple varieties at 17th century Somerset manor Barrington Court, while it’s also planting an orchard with around 90 local varieties at Montacute House.
The conservation organisation began its project in 2016 after it was given a collection of 300 rare cider apple trees by collector and orchard owner Henry May.
According to a report by the BBC, it is planning to grow 16 new varieties at Barrington Court, and has already successfully established 12 saplings.
It is also intending to plant a new orchard at Montacute House, also in Somerset, which is to be planted with around 90 local varieties.
Speaking to the BBC, Barrington Court cider maker, Rachel Brewer, said: “It’s really exciting to have some of the older Somerset varieties come back here to Barrington. Traditionally, cider has always been made on the estate and orchards can be seen as far back as the tithe map”.
Barrington is currently home to 140 local cider apple varieties including Ladbrook Pippin, which was planted in January 2016. According to National Trust manager George Homes, the trees can potentially bear fruit in another five years’ time.
May had considered moving his sizeable collection of apple trees to Normandy as he couldn’t find anyone in the UK willing to take the project on.
After stepping in, David Bullock, head of nature conservation for the National Trust, said: “To be given this collection is a fantastic privilege.
“The National Trust is committed to looking after and protecting traditional fruit orchards, which are not only a beautiful spectacle for visitors to enjoy, but are incredibly important for many species of insects, birds and plants. Orchards are part of our national heritage so it’s vital that this collection is protected for future generations to enjoy.
“Each variety will be planted in two locations to help future-proof them from diseases while ensuring that there are plenty of opportunities for our visitors to enjoy them too”.
After being left a £100,000 legacy by garden enthusiasts Stella and Jack Satchell in their will, The National Trust is also intending to plant 120 heritage cider apple trees from May’s collection at Gloucestershire-based house and garden Dyrham Park.